Next week, we have two meaningful opportunities to come together as a school and bless families in Guatemala and a local family walking through a very hard season.

 

For the first time ever, The Rock School is sending two mission teams to Guatemala this year! Our students will serve alongside Down Guatemala and Believe Guatemala, bringing hope and practical help to communities in need.

 

While students are responsible for raising their own travel expenses, our school community helps by covering the cost of the ministry supplies they’ll use while serving. This year, we’ve set a goal of $5,000 to support those efforts, and with 600 students on campus, we know we can get there!

 

If we reach our goal by next Thursday, the entire school will enjoy a Dress Down Day next Friday (9/26)! Let’s rally behind our students as they prepare to serve others in Jesus’ name!

 

This Tuesday (9/23), our girls’ volleyball teams will host a special night to raise support for a very special TRS family — the Rollins Family.

 

Katie Joy Rollins, granddaughter of our Athletic Director Walt Darty, has been facing a long and complex medical battle. Doctors now believe she has a rare connective tissue disorder that requires extensive, specialized treatment — much of which is not covered by insurance.

 

To show our love and support, we’ve created a “Team KJ” shirt featuring Katie Joy’s favorite Bible verse — a verse that’s brought her hope throughout this journey.

Our goal is to fill the gym with KJ's pink shirt on Tuesday night as a visible reminder that this community is standing with the Rollins family. Students are invited to wear their Team KJ shirts to school that day and stay to cheer on our girls’ volleyball teams that evening. The teams have planned some fun concessions and special activities for everyone who attends.

 

 

Congrats on making it through the first 6 weeks of school! Progress reports are coming your way next week — keep an eye on your inbox next Wednesday. 

 

This Friday, we’re excited to welcome the Bookmobile to campus for the very first time! If your child already has an Alachua County school library card, they’ll be able to check out books during their visit. For new students, school library cards will be issued later this semester — in the meantime, feel free to send in their personal library card so they can participate right away.

 

If your high school student is still interested in joining a club, it’s not too late! Keep an eye out for a Toddle announcement this coming Monday, which will include club dates, meeting times, and sign-up info.

 

We are in need of more substitute teachers, especially for elementary grades K-5. Any interested parents or family members are encouraged to contact the office at 352-331-7625 or office@therock.school. No teaching experience necessary. Subs are paid for their time. Thank you for considering!

 

This week is full of college opportunities for our Juniors and Seniors, with three college reps visiting our campus. UNF will be here Wednesday (9/17) after school, FSU visits Thursday (9/18) during IAP and lunch, and UF will join us Friday (9/19) during lunch — all in the auditorium.

 

We're excited to launch Morning Mile again this year Tuesdays-Fridays. Students can be dropped off by the auditorium, and then we'll head to the field at 7:45am for a morning walk. We will clean up by the gym doors around 8:15am, and then head to class! The field can be wet, so please have your child wear old shoes and bring an extra pair of shoes and socks to change into.

 

The Flu Mist will be given on Tuesday, September 30 to any students age 3+ and staff who submit a consent form. Please complete this digital consent form and return to the office by Sept. 24. 

 

The PTO is kicking off the season with a Teacher Tailgate Lunch on September 26 from 12:00–1:30p. Want to help provide food or volunteer? Sign up here: Teacher Tailgate Lunch Sign-Up. 

 

We’re looking for a few helping hands in the Collaboratory! If you’re available, we could use volunteers on Monday at lunch, Tuesday morning, and Tuesday at lunch. Your time and support make a big difference for our students! If interested, please contact collab@therock.school.